I'm Out! Friday 4/2 was my last day!(I'm actually burning up my paid time off for a few more days, so I'll get one more paycheck worth of HSA and FSA contributions - I recommend this vs. taking a cash-out)
After 15 years, I finally followed this advice:
https://www.theonion.com/health-experts-recommend-standing-up-at-desk-leaving-o-1819577456Sabbatical negotiations broke down when it was clear everyone really wants me back, but the company couldn't get out of its own way and make an exception to a maximum 2 month personal leave policy. Fine with me, now I'm completely free and I'll have a better negotiating position if I decide to come back part-time in the Fall. Plus I won't worry all summer about having to cancel an agreement. I'm not planning to go back, but I left on great terms and I'm keeping my options open. There are smaller companies starting up that might be more fun if I get bored, but I doubt it will come to that!
No more job, no more excuses! I am no longer Time Poor!
Monday, daycare was unexpectedly closed (teachers recovering from shot #2). I spent an entire beautiful day with my daughter at a park, flying kites.
Tuesday, neighbor (quaran-team) wasn't able to drop the kids off so I happily did it. Went grocery shopping mid-morning with no crowds, it was glorious. Went to the office, packed up my desk, shredded years of notes nobody will ever read, then stopped by some trails on the way home for a quick mountain bike ride!
Wednesday, was going to ski but the forecast wasn't great. Went for a 3 hour road bike ride instead, and it was wonderful.
My wife is happy and relieved. She's still working, but now she can sleep in a little later as I take over the role of Chief Domestique.
So far, so good! Thankful to have read Your Money Or Your Life and found MMM 10+ years ago. That 50% savings rate a decade ago, plus investment returns, did all the work!